Backtracking - Grid Path Search

The Backtracking - Grid Path Search technique is applied when tackling problems characterized by specific invariants in the problem state or constraints:

• Core Strategy: DFS with backtracking over a 2D grid, marking/unmarking visited cells while searching for a path matching a target.
• When to use: Look for opportunities where repeated re-computation can be replaced by maintaining monotonic properties, state windows, or relational pointers.
• Interview Signal: Demonstrating this pattern shows mastery of Backtracking foundations, reducing worst-case algorithmic complexity.